Accepted!
Today’s Verse
To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved. ~Ephesians 1:6
Every high-school senior sits on pins and needles from February to June as he anxiously awaits receiving letters from colleges that he has applied to for college. There is a great feeling of elation and jubilation when the opening sentence of a letter says, “The college of admissions has accepted you into its program this Fall.” “Accepted” implies “approved,” “confirmed,” “preferred,” and “welcomed.” This morning, let us see one of the great assurances of our salvation in the beautiful phrase “accepted in the beloved.”
We see the favor. This is one of the spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ that God gives to us. This favor is called “the riches of his grace” (v. 7). “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God.” Grace teaches us that we should deny ungodliness and worldly lusts and live soberly, righteously, and godly in this present world. This grace is made perfect in our weakness. It is divine enablement in our weakened flesh, working God’s goodness in our life.
We see the forgiveness.
“In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace.” There is complete pardon in God’s forgiveness. There is complete cleansing in God’s forgiveness. There is total expunging in God’s forgiveness. Our sins are taken away and forgotten. Being “accepted in the beloved” finds security and completeness in our sins being forgiven.
We see the family.
We enter into God’s family by spiritual adoption. All legal entitlement of an heir is given to us when we get saved. When we enter into God’s family, God is our heavenly Father. He loves us so much that we are given the title “sons of God” (1 John 3:1). As sons of God, nothing can separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus. This adoption is according to the good pleasure of His will. God’s will, when we get saved, is that we are brought into His family by His power.
We see the fulfillment.
“Accepted in the beloved” means we have God’s affirmation, assurance, approval, and guarantee of His unconditional love for us. Our sinful nature breeds much insecurity and fear. “Accepted in the beloved” is perfect love that casts away our fears. Regardless of what hardships we grew up with or we might be experiencing now, we are safe and secure in the perfect and wonderful love of our Lord for us. He loves us with an everlasting love. He sometimes chastens us in His love. However, His loves never lets us go!
If you are struggling with insecurities that have a vise-grip on our emotions and thinking, find your freedom today in the fact that you are “accepted in the beloved.” Find your purpose in living by walking in His acceptance of you.
Have a satisfying God Morning!
Bible Reading Schedule: Numbers 14-15
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